Minnetonka Rotary Club
The Spoke
                                 
The Spoke
 
Weekly Report
(Photographers - Various)
(Reporter - Scott B.)
October 9, 2024
The Marsh, Second Floor, Minnetonka, Minnesota
(Editor - Mike G.)
Editor Notes
 
Member Submissions - See the end of The Spoke.
 
Next Meeting October 16, 2024 - President Olson called the next weekly meeting in person and Zoom at The Marsh, 15000 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN.
 
New Pictures - Send to michaelcglover@comcast.net. Ed.
 
************* See Social and Service Activities Below **************
 
 
From the Members and Archives
IMPORTANT UPDATE to Upcoming Events Below
 
Important - Check with meeting leaders to confirm date, time and location information for all events below. 
 
Highway 7 Fall Clean Up
Famous Daves Restaurant
Oct. 12, 2024
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
 
View entire list
Happy Bucks and Polio Pitcher Donations
 
Please send your Happy Buck and Polio Pitcher donations to Mac  H. as follows:
 
Mac Hardin
Minnetonka Rotary Club
12926 Rutledge Circle
Minnetonka, MN   55305
 
Rotary International Foundation
 
Please send your end of year donations to Chris Rosenlund as follows:
 
          Chris Rosenlund
          8672 Meadowvale Drive
          Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Meeting Minutes - Scott B.
 
Meeting starts at 7:30
 
Guests
 
Gretchen Wilbrandt – Urban Boat Builders
 
Heather Walch - Repowered (today’s speaker)
 
Invocation
 
Dale provided a great story about dreams and pursuing them from the book “All I Really Need to Know I learned from Kindergarten”, by Robert Fulghum.  A story about Larry Walters a truck driver sitting in an aluminum lawn chair in his back yard who always had dreams about “going up”. Could never be a pilot or other – he was just an ordinary guy. He ultimately flew – in his aluminum lawn chair tied to 45 helium balloons.  Went up to 11,000 feet and into the approach space of LAX. He was scared, would never do it again, but glad he did it!  The moral: Anything is possible, when the dream is close to the heart, and one has the courage to step out.
 

Pledge

Everyone.
 
4-Way Test
 
Everyone.
 
International Theme
 
Everyone. “The Magic of Rotary”
 
Announcements
 
Alissa O. - A card was circulated for Chris R. who is having knee surgery. Also, a thank you note from Assistancy(?) for a grant that we gave them, was passed around for the group.
 
Bob H. - thanked everyone that took part in the blood drive.  The goal was 45 pints and 39 were donated.  He also noted that we do this twice a year and are on track.
Bob also mentioned that he is working with Tracie S. at Resource West on upcoming volunteer activities.  As of now, they need warm coat donations for their coat drive – all sizes needed but especially high school ages.
 
Mark M. - reported that the Highway 7 Cleanup will be this Saturday, October 12.  meeting at 8:30 AM at Famous Dave’s parking lot on Highway 7. We do this twice a year. Wear old shoes and bring gloves.  Mark will bring plastic bags, vests, etc.
 
Nate R. - reported that Alexa will be turning 40 soon.  Everyone is invited to a Happy Hour at Boom Island Brewing (5959 Baker Road), October 23, 5:30 PM.
 
New Member Induction
 
None this week.
 
Rotary Minute
 
None this week.
 
Raffle
 
Tracie S. drew a number belonging to Lenny N.  No success with the draw – money back into the pot.
 
Foundation Award Checks or Thank yous
 
Tony N. - presented a $1000 check to Gretchen from Urban Boat Builders.  Gretchen shared her organization’s success by reporting that 98% of the program’s participants are on track to finish high school. They were placed in vocational school or in the workforce.
 
Happy Bucks
 
Dale F. – ICA Annual Gala was last night. Great turnout - lots of money raised and many Rotarians present. Dale also gave 3 happy bucks on behalf of Ryan J. who is presently grouse hunting.
 
Phil H. -Happy buck for celebrating the Lynx big playoff win last night over the Connecticut Sun.
 
Mac H. – Happy buck for recognizing the recently installed acoustic wall panels in our meeting room here at the Marsh that have greatly improved hearing.
 
Frank B. – Will be traveling to Beaver Dam, WI on Friday to celebrate a reunion (45th) at Wayland Academy where he was a boarding student for 4 years. Frank will also be honored and recognized with a special alumni award.
 
Mark M. – 5 happy bucks for golfing tomorrow near St.Croix Falls - Somerset, WI in commemoration of son Ryan’s birthday.
 
Chris C. – 2 happy bucks – was also in WI this past weekend with family.
 
Jim M. – 2 happy bucks – also expressed thanks for the acoustic panels, and thanked Tony N. for his new tires.
 
Don C. – 2 happy bucks thanking Ron for leading the charge on the panels. 3 bucks saluting the Rundquist kids (scouts) who came to our last meeting and kudos to them for speaking to the group.
 
Pete G. – Gave 2 bucks for ??
 
Bob H. – Several happy bucks - Recognized and gave gratitude for his marriage to his first wife 47 years ago.   Also, he will be traveling to Asheville N.C. with his son to recognize and celebrate.  Also going to Pinehurst (golf). Bob also shared he carded two eagles recently on the links – a hole in one?
 
Cathy C. – recognized and celebrated her son in law’s birthday this past weekend. He played football for both the Gophers and professionally.  A nice birthday present that both the Gophers and Vikings won this past weekend.
 
Alexa – Happy Bucks thanking everyone for welcoming the Rundquist kids to come and speak last week and a shout out to Don for giving Nolan advice on public speaking.
 
Annika S. – Attending meeting via Zoom because she is having her shower re-done.
 
Program
 
Today’s speaker: Heather Walch with Repowered
 
Heather is the CEO of Repowered, a 501 c (3) nonprofit that refurbishes and recycles electronic devices. The organization does this by employing recently released incarcerated individuals which provides a significant means for individuals to learn new trades and skills and provides a way for them to integrate back into society after they have been isolated. Repower recycled over 40 million pounds last year. 
 
Repower rebranded to its present name in 2022 (formerly Tech Dump) and is also a certified ITAD provider (Certified Data Destruction).
 
Heather was born and raised in Michigan, and has lived most of her life to date in CA and OH.  She has a chemical engineering degree and an MBA. She moved to MN with her husband as part of a 2-year assignment related to his work.  They loved MN so much they have stayed here since. She has a passion for coming up with creative solutions to problems and has two boys (twins) in college.
 
Repower’s social enterprise model that provides second chance opportunities, and the teaching of new skills has proven extremely successful. Stable housing and a job-related income are critical for these former inmates to be successful and re-integrate into society.  Success has been demonstrated by 81% of the participants completing the Phase 1 program and 70% of the participants have attained a job upon graduating. It is a successful program requiring a 40-hour work week with strong accountability requirements.
 
Repower’s theme is “Get hope, Give hope, and Grow hope.”
 
Adjournment
 
Meeting adjourned at 8:33
 
Happy Bucks - $68
Raffle and Polio Bucket - $24.15
 
Submitted by Scott B.
Member Submissions
 
 
 
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca to your safe sender list or address book.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
 
ClubRunner
102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7
Advertisement for Russell Hampton
Advertisement for ClubRunner
Advertisement for ClubRunner Mobile